Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Jabra Elite 4 Active
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Headphones deliver premium over-ear comfort with industry-leading ANC, CustomTune personalized audio calibration, and exceptional 24-hour battery life, making them ideal for frequent travelers and office workers. Jabra Elite 4 Active in-ears target active users with IP57 waterproofing, secure ActiveGrip coating, and solid ANC in a compact $119 package offering 7 hours per charge plus case. Sound quality favors Bose's custom drivers and TriPort architecture, while Jabra excels in durability and workout-focused features. Battery longevity strongly advantages Bose at 24 hours versus 7 hours, though Jabra's case provides 28 hours total. At nearly three times the price, Bose justifies cost through comfort for extended wear, superior noise cancellation implementation, and multipoint connectivity. Jabra represents excellent value for gym-goers and casual listeners. Choose Bose for immersive, all-day listening; select Jabra for active lifestyles and budget-conscious buyers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Headphones if…
- →World-class ANC that rivals the QuietComfort Ultra
- →24-hour battery life is among the best in the category
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously
Buy the Jabra Elite 4 Active if…
- →ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- →Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- →7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Pros
- World-class ANC that rivals the QuietComfort Ultra
- 24-hour battery life is among the best in the category
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously
- Extremely comfortable with plush protein leather ear cushions
- USB-C charging finally replaces the dated Micro-USB
Cons
- Sound quality is good but lacks the spatial depth of QC Ultra
- Only AAC and SBC codecs — no aptX or LDAC
- 296 g is heavier than Sony WH-1000XM5
- No water resistance rating for gym or outdoor use
- Plastic headband can feel less premium than metal alternatives
Jabra Elite 4 Active
Pros
- ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- 7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
- Compact and lightweight at 5 g per earbud
- Google Fast Pair for instant Android setup
Cons
- No multipoint Bluetooth — connects to one device at a time
- No wireless charging on the case
- ANC is functional but not deep — best for light noise reduction
- Call quality drops in windy conditions
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Jabra Elite 4 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 296 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 hrs with ANC, 2.5 hrs charge time, 15 min = 2.5 hrs | 7 hrs ANC on (28 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C (no wireless charging) |
| Drivers | Custom Bose drivers with TriPort acoustic architecture | 6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Adjustable ANC with Aware Mode, CustomTune personalized audio calibration, Multipoint for two simultaneous device connections, Bose Music app with EQ and settings, Foldable design with carry case | Active Noise Cancellation, HearThrough mode, Secure ActiveGrip coating for workouts, Jabra Sound+ app, Google Fast Pair and Spotify Tap, IP57 dust and waterproof |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IP57 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Jabra products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Headphones or the Jabra Elite 4 Active.